Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has issued a stern directive to power officials to fortify the state’s energy grid against the dual challenges of intense heatwaves and seasonal storms.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Minister, who also holds the Energy portfolio, met with top brass including Additional Chief Secretary Energy Shri Vishal Kumar Dev and the heads of all major DISCOMs to calibrate the state’s power readiness.
In response to the prevailing heatwave and the threat of Nor’wester storms, Shri Singh Deo directed DISCOMs to prioritize uninterrupted and high-quality power supply across Odisha. He emphasized that consumer grievances must be addressed on an emergency basis within stipulated timelines. To minimize frequent power outages and enhance system reliability, the Minister mandated the use of premium-quality equipment for all maintenance and restoration work.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted a customer-centric approach, urging departmental staff to interact with the public politely and proactively. To strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism, he called for an increase in the number of dedicated teams tasked with resolving consumer issues.
Safety concerns regarding power infrastructure were also a major focus of the meeting. Shri Singh Deo instructed the issuance of clear guidelines regarding the placement of hoardings and advertisement boards near power lines. To prevent accidents during high-wind events and storms, DISCOMs have been asked to coordinate with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure strict adherence to structural safety standards for all outdoor displays.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to providing 24×7 electricity to the citizens of Odisha, Shri Singh Deo placed all energy officials on high alert for the summer months. To ensure accountability, the Energy Department and DISCOMs are required to submit weekly compliance reports on the directives discussed during the review.